Burna Boy's Twice As Tall: Album Review & Deep Dive
Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the world of Burna Boy and his incredible album, Twice as Tall. Released in 2020, this album wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a statement. It was a declaration of Burna Boy's artistry, a fusion of genres, and a celebration of African culture on a global stage. We're going to break down the album, track by track, explore the themes, and understand why Twice as Tall resonated so deeply with so many people. So, grab your headphones, and let's get started!
The Genesis of 'Twice as Tall': A Global Perspective
Burna Boy's Twice as Tall album arrived at a pivotal moment. The year 2020 was a rollercoaster, to say the least, and the world was navigating through unprecedented challenges. However, it was also a time of heightened awareness, social movements, and a renewed focus on cultural identity. Twice as Tall perfectly captured this zeitgeist. The album was co-produced by none other than Sean 'Diddy' Combs, adding a layer of global appeal and production value that amplified Burna Boy's vision. This collaboration brought together two musical powerhouses, blending Burna Boy's unique Afrofusion sound with Diddy's seasoned production expertise. It was a strategic move that broadened the album's reach and introduced Burna Boy to a wider audience, solidifying his status as a global artist.
Twice as Tall isn't just an album; it's a reflection of Burna Boy's journey. It's about his growth as an artist, his embrace of his Nigerian heritage, and his ambition to share African music with the world. The title itself suggests a sense of elevation, of rising above challenges and achieving new heights. The album's themes are diverse, touching on topics like self-love, social justice, and the joys and struggles of life. Burna Boy's songwriting skills truly shine throughout the album. He creates a blend of catchy hooks with insightful lyrics. His ability to fuse various genres is one of the most prominent features of his music. The album features a mix of Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop. This creates a sound that is both familiar and innovative, which makes it appeal to a large variety of listeners. The album's production quality is top-notch. The production team ensured that each song sounds polished and dynamic. This production quality is important as it helps to capture the listener's attention and maintain a high level of artistic quality.
Track-by-Track Breakdown: Exploring the Sounds of Twice as Tall
Let's get into the heart of the album and dissect each track. This will give you a deeper understanding of the album's structure and the message Burna Boy wanted to convey. We'll be going through each of the songs and highlighting the most important aspects.
1. Level Up (feat. Youssou N'Dour)
This track sets the tone for the entire album. Level Up is a powerful anthem about Burna Boy's journey and his rise to success. The inclusion of Senegalese music icon Youssou N'Dour adds a layer of prestige and cultural significance. The combination of N'Dour's vocals and Burna Boy's lyrics about his own growth makes this an incredibly inspiring track. The beat is upbeat and motivating, making it an excellent song to begin the album with. The collaboration is a symbolic passing of the torch. It is the embracing of African musical heritage and a recognition of the legends who came before him. Burna Boy has always shown a respect for his musical roots and this is evident in this track.
2. Alarm Clock
Alarm Clock is where Burna Boy’s signature sound comes through. It’s a rhythmic, mid-tempo track with a catchy hook and smooth vocals. The lyrics are introspective, exploring themes of perseverance and the daily grind of striving for success. The song has a relatable feeling. The melody will get stuck in your head, while the lyrics give you a sense of motivation. This is a fine example of how Burna Boy is capable of making complex themes accessible to everyone.
3. Way Too Big
Way Too Big is an affirmation of Burna Boy's accomplishments. It's a statement about his growing influence and fame. The lyrics are self-assured, and the production is booming, giving the song a grandiose feel. The beat is layered with a strong rhythm. The song shows how Burna Boy is confident in his ability to continue to rise in the music world. The song's message is clear; Burna Boy is destined for greatness. The song serves as an anthem for anyone who is aiming high and dreams of reaching the top.
4. Bebo
Bebo is a catchy and fun track that has a relaxed vibe. It showcases Burna Boy's ability to create feel-good music that can make everyone feel relaxed and content. The song celebrates a sense of good life, and is filled with beautiful rhythms and infectious melody. It serves as a reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and live in the moment. The song is a change of pace. It's a lighter moment in the album. It shows that Burna Boy is not afraid to showcase his versatility as an artist.
5. Wonderful
Wonderful is a celebration of the beauty and richness of African culture. Burna Boy's love for Africa is clear, as he sings about the wonderful aspects of his homeland and heritage. The production is rich and vibrant, with elements of Afrobeat and highlife. The song is an anthem to the beauty of Africa, celebrating its people, traditions, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the artist's roots. It's an important reflection of the album's themes of identity, pride, and heritage.
6. Onyeka (Baby)
Onyeka (Baby) is a smooth, romantic track. It's a song of love and affection, expressing heartfelt feelings towards a special person. The track shows a soft side of Burna Boy, and highlights his ability to create emotional connections through his music. The song's melody is gentle and the lyrics are loving. It's a tender moment in the album. The artist provides a more personal perspective, making it more personal for listeners.
7. Naughty By Nature (feat. Naughty By Nature)
This track is a collaboration with the iconic hip-hop group Naughty By Nature. It's a fusion of Afrobeat and hip-hop. The collaboration brings together two distinct musical worlds, creating an energetic and exciting song. The track is full of energy and confidence. It shows how music can bring together different cultures. The combination of styles ensures that the track will remain in your memory for a while.
8. Comma
Comma is a rhythmic track that is infused with Afrobeat elements. The song's groove will make you want to move. The song offers a contrast with the other songs in the album. The composition is well-balanced, and the lyrics are well-written. The song has a powerful rhythm that will move your body.
9. Wetin Man Go Do
Wetin Man Go Do is another track that highlights Burna Boy’s storytelling abilities. The lyrics delve into the everyday struggles and complexities of life, offering a relatable perspective. The song is honest. It's about the ups and downs of life. The song's message is clear, with listeners being able to connect with it. The track serves as a reminder that we all experience difficulties.
10. Different Size (feat. Damian Marley)
Different Size is a collaboration with Jamaican reggae artist Damian Marley. The track is a fusion of reggae and Afrobeat. The collaboration brings together two musical traditions, creating a song that celebrates cultural diversity. The song's rhythm and lyrics are very good. The song is a showcase of how music can bring together different cultures. The combination of styles ensures that the track will remain in your memory for a while. It's a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries. The song is a perfect blend of two musical worlds.
11. No Fit Vex
No Fit Vex is a track that encourages self-control and positivity. The song's message promotes a life of peace and inner happiness. The song is a great reminder for listeners to embrace positivity. The song is a soothing melody that uplifts the spirit. The song's message promotes a life of inner peace. It suggests that there is no room for anger and resentment. The song's tone is calming.
12. Wetin Dey Sup
Wetin Dey Sup is another track that is infused with Afrobeat elements. The song's groove will make you want to move. The song offers a contrast with the other songs in the album. The composition is well-balanced, and the lyrics are well-written. The song has a powerful rhythm that will move your body.
13. Real Life (feat. Stormzy)
Real Life is a collaboration with British rapper Stormzy. The track explores themes of success, struggle, and resilience. The song is a powerful statement about the challenges of real life. The combination of both voices creates a meaningful song. The two artists’ individual stories blend with one another. The song is about the human experience. The message of the song resonates with people from all backgrounds. The track's impact is made clear.
14. Bank On It
Bank On It is a track that shows Burna Boy's ability to fuse Afrobeat with R&B. The song highlights Burna Boy's abilities as a songwriter. The song is a romantic, and slow-tempo song. The lyrics capture the beauty of love. The song is a change of pace. This adds versatility to the album.
15. Own It
This is a track that shows Burna Boy's ability to fuse Afrobeat with R&B. The song highlights Burna Boy's abilities as a songwriter. The song is a romantic, and slow-tempo song. The lyrics capture the beauty of love. The song is a change of pace. This adds versatility to the album.
The Impact and Legacy of Twice as Tall
Twice as Tall was more than just an album; it was a cultural event. It solidified Burna Boy's position as a global superstar and brought Afrobeat music to new audiences. The album received critical acclaim, with many praising its production quality, Burna Boy's songwriting skills, and the album's overall message of empowerment and cultural pride. It won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021, a testament to its impact and artistic excellence. The album also spawned several hit singles that topped the charts and became anthems for a generation. It also had a significant impact on other artists. The success of Twice as Tall has inspired many artists to incorporate Afrobeat influences into their own music, making it a pivotal moment in the history of African music. The album's legacy continues to grow. It is a benchmark for contemporary African music.
Conclusion: Burna Boy's Triumph
So, there you have it, folks! Twice as Tall is an album that proves the brilliance and artistry of Burna Boy. It's an album that showcases his versatility, his cultural pride, and his ability to connect with listeners from all over the world. From the powerful opening track to the heartfelt closing songs, Twice as Tall takes you on a musical journey, leaving you feeling inspired, moved, and ready to dance. It's a must-listen for any music lover who wants to dive deep into the world of Afrobeat and experience the magic of Burna Boy. So, if you haven't already, go give Twice as Tall a listen and experience the magic for yourself! You won't regret it. Peace out!